Generation Name-Calling

We are out of control with the name-calling. It all started back with the Baby Boomers. They were a huge buying group retailers needed to target market. Whatever Baby Boomers wanted or needed, there was a marketing campaign addressing it. Then there was Generation X–attack of the slackers. They’re pegged as do-nothings. Wikipedia cites the stereotype of Gen X as “apathetic, cynical, disaffected, streetwise loners and slackers.” So it really had nothing to do with marketing.

And now we’re on to Gen Y, or Millenials, Echo Boomers, the Digital Generation–whatever you want to call them. Maybe we should just call them young people, because it seems that no matter what year they were born, the youngest generation that has access to credit cards wants the same things:

– Technology. The old joke is still kicking around my family that when we got our first VCR, the kids weren’t allowed to touch it or the remote control. Until the adults couldn’t figure out how to make the clock stop blinking 12:00. I don’t think the youngest generation’s thirst for the digital utopia will change any time soon.

– Free time. Every generation wants it.

– Something new and fresh. Fresh is good. Stale is bad. Everybody knows that.

– Something their parents didn’t have. Because no matter how many years pass, rebelling is still cool.

If you want the latest on young people, take a tour around Facebook.com. Start your network on LinkedIn.com. Add me as a connection. Or read some blogs. You can start with mine–http://sarasgreenspace.blogspot.com. If you want to be successful in the future, you have to tap into the consumer of the future. 

Flowers–They’re Not Just For Summer Anymore

Between all the issues and current events of today–gas prices, immigration issues and the weather–you still have to keep an eye open for new varieties that will streamline production and make your customers happy.

We know that varieties are what you’re about, so we’ve reworked our coverage of the new plants you want to hear about. We’ve used the Variety Central banner in the past, but this month we debut our new Variety Central section. Each month we’ll focus on a product group, this month foliage and tropicals. With our new layout and design, we’ll be able to bring you even more of the varieties news you’re looking for. Find something new for your young customers.